Comments

Thanks John for your comment. I guess one point is that K4.4 billion is not a lot: it is only about 500 Kina per person (if the population is 8 million plus). That is not a lot with which to buy drugs, run universities, maintain roads, buy fuel for police cars and so on.

Does RAMSI still exist today at all? or has it completely withdrawn

In practice, there are many complex factors that influence the decision of when and how NGOs will advocate around government policy - the proportion of government funding is clearly a factor but it's only one of many. For example, Save the Children was founded by an outspoken advocate and our theory of change explicitly emphasises the importance of advocacy in achieving systemic change. Hence, advocacy is a core part of our DNA, or our culture as Patrick says. Internal capability to engage in advocacy effectively is another, particularly the sophisticated and politically nuanced advocacy required for a topic like refugee policy. Leadership, both management and Board is critical. Operational issues weigh heavily: will it place staff safety at risk? Will public advocacy undermine your ability to influence behind the scenes? In my experience, public advocacy should be like an iceberg - just the tip. Effective advocacy most frequently occurs behind closed doors and therefore can be extremely difficult to assess from the outside. And what is ultimately in the best interests of the vulnerable groups you are seeking to support? Calculating this requires a very difficult assessment of the implications of reduced impact from meeting people's immediate humanitarian needs, with the potential benefits from systemic change should you be able to change government policy. As a child rights organisation, this balancing act was something we constantly assessed in relation to Nauru, to ensure we were meeting the Convention's overriding obligation to act in "the best interests of children". The broader regulatory and political environment is also relevant. Gag clauses, the Freeedom to Advocate Act, the Australian Border Force Act (for refugee issues) etc are only the most blunt tools - government funding decisions are normally much more subtle. This is an important debate and the above analysis is very thought provoking but given the complexity of the issues we are seeking to influence, I would be wary of drawing too many conclusions and instead encourage continued research and exploration!

Great story of Tumat Sogolik. An achievement that all PNGans would like to be part of, this is a measure of unity in diversity. However, in todays PNG society where Sir Manasupe was recently part of (in the decision making corridors) there are politicians and bureaucrats who were trying to dismantle and disintegrate this unity in diversity into political blocs and regionalism. Bougainville will go, New Ireland will be next and so and so. Corruption took its toll in all areas of development and is the only disease that will break or make PNG. Do you think so?

Serena good presentation on social development. The areas you touched on -- education and health -- are vast areas that will take enormous amount of resources and time before we achieve our dreams. Basic education and health care is the core responsibility of government, let's not worry about it, rather focus on what we can do and be capable of so that it contributes to the bigger picture. For example, your organisation's focus on youth leadership for social changes is one element of the contribution to the bigger picture that we would like to see.

Thanks Steve for this very informative analysis. What would concern us PNGans more is the use of the remaining balance of K4.4 billion discretionary expenditure. It may be subject to contractual obligations or political commitments but the begging question is, “what are those high levels spending”? Even those expenditures that you highlighted; salaries, interest, education subsidy and etc.. can still face actual budget shortfalls through the year, where did all the expected funding go to. I guess the answers are in the treasury, finance and the PM’s offices and known only to a few of the politicians, only time will tell.

Make an example of an outdated statute or specify a particular law that deems obsolete today. Remember changing, altering amending laws are not like opening windows with an hope to see what you want to see. We have to go through changes that will prompt law changes. Law changes can not change you.

Thanks for this story. I think we need a global scan of the situation for working mom's (and dad's) with children, and the extent to which they are supported by development organizations/agencies. I think many organizations that claim to be rights-based, maternal-and-child-health advocates do a poor job of supporting their own employees.

Awesome read. Totally enjoyed reading this historic and unifying story of a solidly United and beloved Papua New Guinea on her 41st independence anniversary. Thank you Tumat Sogolik. Thank you Sir Manasupe Zurenuoc and Felicity Herbert

Great story: thanks Manusupe and Felicity! Also a very happy birthday to 'the land of the unexpected’ that just turned 41. It is really hard to not fall in love with PNG. This nation of colour, contrasts, and conflicts is never a dull place to visit or work. The vast majority of its people are law abiding, hardworking, and generous people. The regret is that at 41 years PNG is still struggling to unite its people. One distant boxing match some 44 years ago had a significant contribution to uniting the people during the formative stages of nationhood. The Olympic Gold in Rugby 7s won in Rio similarly united Fijians as never before, and it also brought many Pacific peoples together - my acquaintances from Australia, New Zealand, PNG, Solomon Islands, Tonga, etc. celebrated with us as if this was their win too! Why not a PNG national rugby team in the NRL - win or lose on the field, it will unite our people.

I still love this article even after re-reading it.

Thanks Sara! You are living proof that being an engaged parent and doing meaningful development work doesn't have to be mutually exclusive.